⁴ “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

⁸ If the king regards me with favor^(A) and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet^(B) I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”

²⁰ Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children.^(A) In regard to evil be infants,^(B) but in your thinking be adults.

¹⁵ The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa.^(A) The king and Haman sat down to drink,^(B) but the city of Susa was bewildered.^(C)

²⁰ And be sure to say, ‘Your servant^(A) Jacob is coming behind us.’” For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts^(B) I am sending on ahead;^(C) later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.”^(D)

²⁵ Then he said, “My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing.”^(A)

Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank.